[johnc]

50-135 is a great optic. I can't compare with the tamron, but the bokeh is (to me) usually good to acceptable. Here's a few shots to showcase the OOF rendering. All at f2.8 except for the long-tailed tit and seal (both f5).











You couldn't really say the bokeh is always completely neutral in high-contrast situation, but it is very pleasing with a nice transition into often 'painterly' OOF.

It's a nice lens for botanical type shots, there's a few more at https://500px.com/JohnCPhoto/sets/botanical (along with some pics taken with other lenses, so check the exif). I also have some nice portraits with the lens, I would also recommend it for 'kid-chasing' - just the right blend of reach and speed to get great candid photos of kids.

John

[Sandy Hancock]

Some DA*50-135 bokeh: some good, some less so.

[JibbaJab]

Thank you all for the lovely examples! The bokeh at 135mm looks exceptional.

I don't have DA* 50-135, so I can only comment on Tamron, a lens I am very happy with.
Here are some photos taken with Tamron.

The frog photo is especially beautiful and a perfect example of what I admire about the Tamron.

---------- Post added 10-24-14 at 05:43 PM ----------

Maybe he is.. but seriously, your husband is your wife?

LOL! I think this is a common occurrence in couples where one is into photography and the other isn't, regardless of whether it's the husband or wife. Ironic thing about our relationship is that except for my expensive gear purchases, I'm usually the frugal one.